This week, may you hear and be heard.
May you stop what you’re doing, look someone in the eye, and hear them. Listen for the heart behind the words. Listen for the need behind the want. Listen to understand the person underneath it all.
You don’t have to know all the answers, you just have to bear witness to the questions.
May you find someone who can do the same for you, for even five minutes. For even one minute.
And then — may you speak up. May you have courage to say what you mean. May you speak it, out loud, into the ear of someone who wants to know.
Be present. Be yourself. Say what you are thinking and feeling and needing, whether you need a coffee break or a room of one’s (your) own.
Let go of “polite” in favor of “real.” Let go of “cheery” in favor of “open and honest.” Let go of expectations, show up, and say something true.
And when you do: may you be heard.